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Pyongyang Admits Exporting Missiles, Blames U.s. Sanctions

North Korea admitted Tuesday for the first time that it has sold missiles abroad and plans to keep doing so, openly challenging international efforts to curb global missile proliferation.

"We will continue developing, testing and deploying missiles," said a statement carried by the North's official Korean Central News Agency. "Our missile export is aimed at obtaining foreign money we need at present."

North Korea defended its missile development and export program by accusing Washington of maintaining stifling economic embargoes.

"By declaring for the first time that it actually is exporting missiles, North Korea is upping the ante in its talks with Washington," said Kim Koo Sup, a senior researcher at South Korea's government-funded Korea Institute for Defense Analysis.

North Korea, gripped by severe food shortages and international isolation, sees a way out in striking major diplomatic deals with the United States, analysts say. It agreed in 1994 to freeze its suspected nuclear weapons program in return for fuel, replacement nuclear power plants and other economic and diplomatic benefits.

North Korea said it could discuss missile non-proliferation with the United States if Washington signs a peace treaty with it, excluding South Korea, and compensates Pyongyang for an expected loss of income from missile sales.